transgender

The fall television season doesn’t start in earnest for another couple of weeks, but tonight still brings some compelling new fare, including:

— “Bones” (8 p.m., Fox, 2 hours): Here’s a show I rarely write/talk about, yet I enjoy myself almost every time I watch it. Tonight “Bones” kicks off its season with an episode that has Brennan and Booth (Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz) in London, investigating the murder of an American heiress. The change of location provides a breath of fresh air, as does the humorous presence of a British male-female duo that behave very much like our two heroes. A jolly good show.

— “America’s Next Top Model” (8 p.m., The CW, 2 hours): The big news on this show as it launches its 11th cycle is the inclusion of a transgender competitior named Isis. When her background is revealed, some catty comment arise (“Ain’t this supposed to be a girl competition?” asks one of the participants). But it’s clear early on that Isis is by no means a token contestant. Not only does she make the cut to get into the house, she rocks her first photo shoot, making Nigel and the others sing her praises.

— “Sons of Anarchy” (10 p.m., FX): This gritty new drama instantly earns the distinction of being the most testosterone-laden show in prime time. Violent, raunchy and profane, it focuses on an outlaw motorcycle club that sells illegal arms to an Oakland gang. Male stars, including Ron Perlman and Charlie Hunnam, dominate the cast, but it’s Katey Sagal (“Married … With Children”) as a tough-minded, rocker-chick mom, who steals the show. For my review, click here.

The CW has just announced the cast for the 11th cycle of “America’s Next Top Model,” which will launch with a two-hour premiere on Sept. 3. Among the 14 new girls Tyra banks and company will welcome are a San Franciscan, a participant from Sacramento and woman with the very cool name of Isis. UPDATE:US WeeklyÂ is reporting that Isis will be the first transgender contestant on “Top Model.” “My cards were dealt differently,” IsisÂ toldÂ the magazine. GLADD is praising the move. Click here to read the story.